Multipurpose tool for marking a substrate

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a multipurpose tool used for marking a substrate. The tool includes at least first and second generally planar layers. The first layer includes first and second edges for guiding a marking device, and third and fourth edges for abutting a first surface of the substrate. The second layer may be formed on a major surface of the first layer, the second layer having fifth and sixth edges for abutting a second surface of the substrate. The first and second edges may extend beyond the fifth and sixth edges by a first predetermined lateral distance. In addition, the first and second edges may form a curved corner, while the fifth and sixth edges may form a corresponding curved corner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/300,452, filed Feb. 2, 2010, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to tools for construction, and moreparticularly, a multipurpose tool for marking a substrate.

BACKGROUND

Construction work commonly involves the installation of openings withinwhich components, such as windows, doors and fireplaces, are mounted.Before such components are mounted, a frame is typically installed inthe building structure to maintain the opening and provide structuralintegrity. The frame extends between the interior surface of thebuilding structure and an exterior surface. The exterior surface may bepart of, for example, a window or door jamb. Although not necessarilyrequired, the jamb provides structural rigidity and is often provided aspart of a pre-fabricated window or door. For the purposes of thisdisclosure, a jamb will be understood to refer to any structural piecethat maintains spacing and provides structural rigidity to an opening(e.g., door, window or fireplace opening).

The jamb may be attached to the frame by applying caulking and otherinsulation materials to enhance energy efficiency. However, due totolerances and other factors, the gap between the frame and the jamb maybe very uneven, and the resulting appearance can be quite unsightly. Itis common practice to improve the appearance of the opening byconcealing the gap and insulation by finishing the opening with acasing. The casing includes trim pieces (or moldings) that provide anaesthetically pleasing finished appearance around the opening.

To install the trim (or casing), it is common practice to set back aninner edge of the trim from an inner edge of the corresponding jamb. A“reveal” or “set-back” is the portion of the jamb that is visible.Accordingly, a reveal width is the distance from the interior edge ofthe jamb to the interior surface of the trim. A uniform reveal (orset-back) around the opening is often desirable because it provides ahighly finished and professional appearance, and allows for clearanceof, for example, the pin and barrel of a door hinge.

The revealing process commonly involves using a measuring ruler andpencil or pen to measure and mark the reveal width on each side of eachdoor jamb. Some of these marks are often difficult to reach, therebyrequiring the craftsperson to climb up and down a step-stool or ladder,while making sure the marks are accurately measured and marked. Afterthe reveal widths are marked, the craftsperson typically positions thetrim (or casing) such that the interior surface of the casing is alignedwith the reveal marks and the interior points of mitered edges arealigned with corners. The trim is then permanently attached to the jambusing finishing nails or glue. This process is typically repeated for atleast three or four jambs of the opening. Once the attachment of thetrim to the jamb is completed, the craftsperson typically measures thereveal width of the jambs at multiple points, especially around thecorners, to make sure the reveal width is consistent and according tothe planned measurement.

However, the process of reveal marking is very labor intensive and proneto human errors, such as measurement inconsistencies or parallax errors.A significant amount of time is required for measuring and marking thereveal width on the jambs. Even more time is required for openings withsemi-circular or curved corners. The difficulties associated with revealmarking are compounded by the need for carrying around different typesof tools (e.g., measuring tape, ruler, tri-square measure, etc.) forparticular corners and requirements to accommodate different jobs.

Accordingly, there is a need for a convenient tool that will assist thecraftsperson in reducing the time required for measuring and markingpredetermined widths on substrates, such as door or window jambs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a multipurpose tool used for marking asubstrate. The tool includes at least first and second generally planarlayers. The first layer includes first and second edges for guiding amarking device, and third and fourth edges for abutting a first surfaceof the substrate. The second layer may be formed on a major surface ofthe first layer, the second layer having fifth and sixth edges forabutting a second surface of the substrate. The first and second edgesmay extend beyond the fifth and sixth edges by a first predeterminedlateral distance. In addition, the first and second edges may form acurved corner, while the fifth and sixth edges may form a correspondingcurved corner.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the followingdetailed description. It is not intended to identify features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intendedthat it be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited toimplementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part ofthis disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of theattendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. The samenumbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like elements andfeatures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top side of an exemplarymultipurpose tool;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom side of an exemplarymultipurpose tool;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a housing cover;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the top side of an exemplary multipurpose tool;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bottom side of an exemplary multipurposetool;

FIGS. 6 a-b are side views of an exemplary multipurpose tool;

FIG. 7 is another side view of an exemplary multipurpose tool; and

FIG. 8 is an environmental, perspective view of an exemplarymultipurpose tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forthsuch as examples of specific components, devices, methods, etc., inorder to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the presentinvention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art thatthese specific details need not be employed to practice embodiments ofthe present invention. In other instances, well-known materials ormethods have not been described in detail in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the present invention. While theinvention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawingsand will herein be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to theparticular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

The following description sets forth one or more implementations of amultipurpose tool for marking predetermined widths on a substrate (e.g.,door or window jamb). An exemplary marking tool may be used in finishcarpentry to accurately and conveniently maintain consistent revealwidths on jambs, particularly for positioning trims (or casing) aroundwindows, doors, fireplaces, etc. One major advantage of the multipurposemarking tool is that it avoids the parallax errors and inconsistenciesthat result from using a ruler for marking predetermined widths.Additionally, the multipurpose marking tool may be used not only formarking right-angled (or square) corners, but also for marking curved(or semi-circular) corners.

In one implementation, various components are integrated in a singlecompact tool, thereby eliminating the need to swap between various toolsto perform various tasks. For example, the multipurpose tool may providea plurality of measuring holes with differing predetermined sizes tomeasure, for example, the thickness of a nail, screw, door knob or lockcomponent. In addition, the tool may also provide an integratedmeasuring tape (e.g., 12 feet) and/or a measuring scale on one or moresides to facilitate quick measurements and to accommodate non-standardsizes. The multipurpose tool may be sufficiently compact andlightweight, easily held in the palm of the user or readily clipped tothe user's attire (e.g., belt or pocket) while not in use.

FIGS. 1-8 depict a multipurpose tool 100 in accordance to some exemplaryembodiments. In one implementation, the multipurpose tool 100 includes afirst layer 102, a second layer 104 and a third layer 106. The firstlayer 102 is sandwiched between the second and third layers (104 and106). Additional fourth and fifth layers (108 and 110) may be provided,as will be described later. The layers may be formed separately and thenassembled together, or they may be formed as a unitary assembly. Inaddition, the layers may be formed using a light-weight material such asplastic (e.g., Acrylic, Lucit, polycarbonate, etc.). Other materials,such as metal or wood, may also be used. The size of the multipurposetool 100 may be designed according to the particular application, andpreferably designed to be small enough to be hand-held. For example, thedimensions of the tool 100 may be smaller than about 3.6 inches wide,5.9 inches long and 1.3 inches thick. It is understood that otherdimensions are also useful.

In one implementation, the first layer 102 is generally planar with atleast one curved (or semi-circular) corner 103 formed from its edges 121and 125. Similarly, the second and third layers (104 and 106) may eachbe generally planar and have at least one curved corner (160 or 169)formed from its respective edges (151, 155 or 157, 158). The curvedcorners advantageously accommodate, for example, door or window openingswith curved corners. Providing more than one curved corner (e.g., 2 or3) in each layer is also useful. In addition, each layer may alsoinclude one or more approximately right-angled corners to accommodateopenings with square corners. For example, the first layer 102 mayinclude a curved corner 103 and 3 right-angled corners 105. It should beunderstood that other types of angular or curved corners, includingcustom-shaped corners or edges, may also be provided.

In addition, the first layer 102 is designed to extend beyond the secondand third layers (104 and 106). More particularly, an edge 121 of thefirst layer 102 may extend beyond a corresponding parallel edge 151 ofthe second layer 104 by a predetermined lateral distance W1, while edges123, 124 and 125 may extend from respectively parallel edges 153, 154and 155 by predetermined lateral distances W2, W3 and W4. Similarly, theedges 121, 123, 124 and 125 of the first layer 102 may extend beyondrespectively parallel edges 156, 157, 158 and 159 of the third layer 106by predetermined widths W5, W6, W7 and W8. The edges 121, 123, 124 and125 of the first layer may be used to guide a marking device (e.g., penor pencil) for marking the predetermined widths W1-W8 on a substrate(e.g., door or window jamb). Edges 161, 163, 165 and 167 of the firstlayer are provided to abut a first surface of the substrate, while edges151, 153, 154 and 155 of the second layer 104 (or edges 156, 157, 158and 159 of the third layer 106) may be used to abut a second surface ofthe substrate when the tool 100 is positioned on the substrate. Thepredetermined distances W1-W8 may correspond to commonly used offsets,such as standard reveal (or set-back) widths ¼, ½ and ⅜ inches. Inaddition, differing predetermined widths W1-W8 may be provided. Forexample, predetermined widths W5, W7 and W8 may be ⅜ inch while width W6is ½ inch, such as shown in FIG. 5. It is understood that other widthsmay also be provided.

In one implementation, a measuring scale 114 is provided along at leastone edge 123 of the first layer 102. The measuring scale 114 may also beprovided along two or more sides of the first layer 102. In addition,the measuring scale 114 may be provided along any of the edges of theother layers (104, 106, 108, 110). It provides a quick and convenientmeasuring means and enables the user to measure any reveal widths thatare non-standard without having to rely on another tool.

In one implementation, the second layer 104 is formed on a first majorsurface of the first layer 102, while the third layer 106 is formed on asecond major surface of the first layer 102. In addition, a fourth layer108 may be formed on a major surface 150 of the second layer 104. Whenthe marking tool 100 is in use (e.g., pressed against the substrate formarking or measuring), the major surface 150 abuts the first surface ofthe substrate (not shown) while the edge 142 of the fourth layer 108abuts the second surface of the substrate. The edge 124 of the firstlayer 102 extends from the corresponding parallel edge 142 of the fourthlayer 108 by a predetermined lateral distance W9. The predeterminedwidth W9 may be a standard width commonly used in the particularapplication. For example, in carpentry applications, the predeterminedwidth W9 may be a standard reveal width (e.g., 2½ and 3½ inches) forpositioning outer trim pieces along the jamb. It is understood that thewidth may be varied, depending on the preferences of the tool designeror the particular application.

In one implementation, at least one edge 119 of the fourth layer 108 isaligned with an edge 151 of the second layer 104. More than one edge(e.g., 2 or 3) of the fourth layer 108 may also be aligned with thecorresponding edges of second layer 104. For example, the fourth layer108 may also be the same size as the second layer 104, so that all thecorresponding edges are aligned. It is understood that other placementsof the fourth layer 108 are also useful. For instance, the fourth layer108 may be located in the middle of the second layer 104, the secondlayer 104 extending beyond the fourth layer 108.

One or more measuring holes 112 extend through the fourth layer 108. Thedepth of the measuring holes 112 may be, for example, ⅜ inches. Themeasuring holes 112 facilitate the quick measurement of components thatmay be inserted therein, such as screws, nails, door knob or lockcomponents. In one implementation, the measuring holes 112 are providedin differing standard sizes, such as ½, 13/32, 7/16, 15/32, 5/16, 11/32,⅜, 3/16, 7/32, ¼, 9/32, 1/16, 3/32, ⅛ or 5/32 inches. It is understoodthat these sizes may be varied, depending on the particular application.The measuring holes 112 advantageously reduce the number of tools that auser has to carry and swap around, and eliminate the need for reachingout for another measuring tape.

In one implementation, a fifth layer 110 is formed on a major surface ofthe third layer 106. The fifth layer 110 may be designed such that anedge 124 of the first layer 102 extends from an edge 146 of the fifthlayer 110 by a predetermined lateral spacing W10. The predeterminedwidth W10 may be a standard width, such as a standard reveal width(e.g., 2½ and 3½ inches). It should be understood that otherpredetermined widths may be provided. The major surface 149 of the thirdlayer 106 may be used to abut a first surface of the substrate while theedge 146 abuts a second surface of the substrate. In one implementation,at least one edge 147 of the fifth layer 110 is aligned with an edge 157of the second layer 104. More than one edge (e.g., 2 or 3) of the fifthlayer 110 may also be aligned with the corresponding edges of secondlayer 104. The fifth layer 110 may also be the same size as the thirdlayer 106, such that all the corresponding edges are aligned. It isunderstood that other placements of the fifth layer 110 are also useful.

To further aid in making measurements, the fifth layer 110 may house aroll of flexible measuring tape 170, enclosed by housing cover 130. Inone implementation, the measuring tape 170 is resiliently coiled arounda spindle 132 of the housing cover 130. The measuring tape 170 isextendable from a coiled position to an extended position to measure adesired distance. Once the measurement is made, the tape 170 may bereturned to the coiled position by, for example, a spring means.Alternatively, the fifth layer 110 may house the measuring tape 170 withits own separate casing (not shown). The length of the measuring tape170 is, for example, 12 feet or any other desired length. It provides aconvenient and quick means of measurement, while eliminating the need toswap between multiple tools, thereby saving time and space in the toolbox. In addition, to facilitate convenient storage and portability ofthe marking tool 100, an optional belt clip 140 may be attached to thehousing cover 130. The belt clip 140 is designed to be secured to auser's belt (e.g., tool belt) or other article of clothing or portionthereof (e.g., pocket), or other support structure.

The efficiency and accuracy of revealing jambs is greatly enhanced withthe use of the marking tool 100. It can save, for example, 20 minutes ormore of labor work per door (or window or fireplace) with right-angledcorners, and even more time when it is used for installing curved (orsemi-circular) trim pieces, as illustrated by FIG. 8.

The processing of revealing jambs may begin with the user firstselecting an appropriate side (e.g., bottom or top side) and corner(e.g., right-angled or curved) of the tool 100 that corresponds to thecorner of the substrate that the user is working on. For example, asshown in FIG. 8, the user has selected the top side and the curvedcorner 103 of the tool 100 which corresponds to the curved corner 182 ofthe jamb 180. The tool 100 is aligned and pressed against the corner 182of the jamb 180 by applying a force to the tool 100. The tool 100 may bealigned, for example, such that the first layer 102 overlaps the jamb180 and the edge 151 of the second layer 104 (not shown in FIG. 8) ispressed against the jamb 180.

Next, marks are made to indicate the reveal width on the jamb 180 alongedges (121 and 125) of the first layer 102 by using, for example, apencil or pen. This process is repeated for other corners of the jamb.After completing the marking, the user will align the inner surface ofthe trim pieces (or casing) with the marks on the jambs and permanentlyfix (or fasten) the trim pieces to the jambs one at a time. Finally, theuser may verify the consistency of the reveal width by sliding themarking tool 100 along the sides and into the corners of the jambs.

The invention may be disclosed in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoingdisclosures, therefore, are to be considered in all respectsillustrative rather than limiting the implementations described herein.

1. A multipurpose tool for marking a substrate, comprising: a firstlayer having first and second edges for guiding a marking device andthird and fourth edges for abutting a first surface of the substrate,wherein the first layer is generally planar with at least one curvedcorner formed from the first and second edges; and a second layer formedon a first major surface of the first layer, the second layer having afifth and sixth edges for abutting a second surface of the substrate,wherein the first and second edges extend beyond the fifth and sixthedges by a first predetermined lateral distance, wherein the secondlayer is generally planar and includes at least one curved corner formedfrom the fifth and sixth edges.
 2. The multipurpose tool of claim 1further comprising a third layer formed on a second major surface of thefirst layer, the third layer having seventh and eighth edges forabutting the second surface of the substrate, wherein the first andsecond edges extend beyond the seventh and eighth edges by a secondpredetermined lateral distance, wherein the third layer is generallyplanar and includes at least one curved corner formed from the seventhand eighth edges.
 3. The multipurpose tool of claim 2 wherein the firstand second predetermined lateral distances correspond to differentstandard reveal widths.
 4. The multipurpose tool of claim 1 wherein thefirst layer further comprises ninth and tenth edges forming aright-angled corner.
 5. The multipurpose tool of claim 1 wherein thefirst or second layer includes a measuring scale formed thereon.
 6. Themultipurpose tool of claim 1 further comprises a fourth layer formed ona major surface of the second layer, the fourth layer having an eleventhedge for abutting the second surface of the substrate while the majorsurface of the second layer abuts the first surface of the substrate. 7.The multipurpose tool of claim 6 wherein the first edge extends beyondthe eleventh edge by a third predetermined lateral distance.
 8. Themultipurpose tool of claim 6 wherein at least one edge of the fourthlayer is aligned with at least one edge of the second layer.
 9. Themultipurpose tool of claim 6 wherein the fourth layer includes one ormore measuring holes formed therein.
 10. The multipurpose tool of claim2 further comprises a fifth layer formed on a major surface of the thirdlayer, the fifth layer having a twelfth edge for abutting the secondsurface of the substrate while the major surface of the third layerabuts the first surface of the substrate.
 11. The multipurpose tool ofclaim 10 wherein at least one edge of the fifth layer is aligned with atleast one edge of the third layer.
 12. The multipurpose tool of claim 11wherein the fifth layer and a housing cover enclose a roll of measuringtape.
 13. The multipurpose tool of claim 12 wherein the roll ofmeasuring tape is resiliently coiled around a spindle.
 14. Themultipurpose tool of claim 12 further comprises a belt clip attached tothe housing cover.
 15. A method for marking a substrate, comprising:positioning a multipurpose tool in contact with first and secondsurfaces of a substrate, the multipurpose tool comprising: a first layerhaving first and second edges for guiding a marking device and third andfourth edges for abutting a first surface of the substrate, wherein thefirst layer is generally planar with at least one curved corner formedfrom the first and second edges; and a second layer formed on a firstmajor surface of the first layer, the second layer having a fifth andsixth edges for abutting a second surface of the substrate, wherein thefirst and second edges extend beyond the fifth and sixth edges by afirst predetermined lateral distance, wherein the second layer isgenerally planar and includes at least one curved corner formed from thefifth and sixth edges; and marking the first predetermined lateraldistance on the substrate with a marking device.
 16. The method of claim15 wherein the multipurpose tool further comprises a third layer formedon a second major surface of the first layer, the third layer havingseventh and eighth edges for abutting the second surface of thesubstrate, wherein the first and second edges extend beyond the seventhand eighth edges by a second predetermined lateral distance, wherein thethird layer is generally planar and includes at least one curved cornerformed from the seventh and eighth edges.
 17. The method of claim 16wherein the substrate comprises a door or window jamb, and the first andsecond predetermined lateral distances correspond to reveal widths. 18.The method of claim 15 wherein the multipurpose tool further comprises afourth layer formed on a major surface of the second layer, the fourthlayer having an eleventh edge for abutting the second surface of thesubstrate while the major surface of the second layer abuts the firstsurface of the substrate.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the fourthlayer includes one or more measuring holes formed therein.
 20. Themethod of claim 16 wherein the multipurpose tool further comprises afifth layer formed on a major surface of the third layer, the fifthlayer having a twelfth edge for abutting the second surface of thesubstrate while the major surface of the third layer abuts the firstsurface of the substrate.